GILGIT: The Hunza Hotel Association has urged the government of Gilgit-Baltistan to take immediate and effective measures to prevent the closure of the Karakoram Highway (KKH) and other major roads during public protests or other disputes, warning that such disruptions could seriously harm the region’s tourism sector.

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In a press release, the association said it was representing the collective concerns of business owners and people associated with the tourism industry across Hunza, Nagar and the wider Gilgit-Baltistan region. It stressed that keeping key highways open was essential for the smooth movement of tourists and for sustaining the local economy.

The association noted with concern that last year several protests and road blockades at different locations caused significant losses to the tourism sector.

As a result, hundreds of families dependent on tourism suffered financially, while hotels, tour operators, transporters, guides, shopkeepers and other small businesses faced serious economic difficulties.

It warned that if highway blockades and sit ins occur again, the upcoming tourist season could also be affected, potentially damaging the regional economy and threatening the livelihoods of thousands of people.

Tourism, the statement said, is a fundamental pillar of Gilgit-Baltistan’s economy, providing direct and indirect employment to a large number of people.

The association therefore requested the government to formulate a clear policy and take effective steps to prevent the closure of the Karakoram Highway and other major routes so that tourist movement remains uninterrupted and tourism in the region continues to grow.

The association expressed hope that the government would recognise the sensitivity of the issue and take timely action to safeguard livelihoods and maintain the peaceful and welcoming image of Gilgit-Baltistan for visitors from around the world.

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